Exhibit: The Harmony of Contradiction

About this event

The Harmony of Contradiction: A Contemplative Path

In her first retrospective, painter and designer Karen Gatens gathers work in oils, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media, using images from nature to explore the inner search for meaning. The exhibit takes its name from a phrase that came to her at 21: “the harmony of contradiction.” More than fifty years later, these works trace how life’s contradictions can give way to something unexpected and freeing: self-acceptance.

Works available for purchase; proceeds benefit Trinity Arts.

Artist Statement

At 21, the phrase “the harmony of contradiction” popped into my mind. I knew it was true, but I didn’t know what it meant. It seems fitting that 50+ years later, my life has explained the meaning. Similar to the “law of three,” our contradictions create a third reality.

I had wanted this show to be about my contemplative path, but I swam in too many pools, lacking the discipline and consistency of a true contemplative and contradicting my own desire to go deep. But grace is forgiving, and the result has been an unexpected third reality: self-acceptance, the harmony of contradiction.

Calling myself an artist has never been easy for me. I just make things and seek the meaning that often appears after the fact. I will say that I am fascinated with our human-ness: that we imagine, seek understanding and beauty, dream, grow and change, diversify and invent and create and love. And here I am, one human being in this unbelievable miracle called life, who makes things.

It is my hope that you pick a couple of pieces, stand with them for a minute or two, and find a part of your own meaning in them. What you notice will tell you a bit about yourself.

About the Artist

Karen Gatens is a graphic designer and painter who works in oils, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media, using images from nature to symbolize the internal search for meaning. Her first solo show was an invitational in the home of Seattle art supporters Betty and Walter Kerr in 1980, followed by an invitation to show at the Lisa Harris Gallery (now Harris Harvey Gallery) in 1981.

She then left the art world to make a living, becoming the first corporate designer for Chateau Ste. Michelle and continuing her design career for the next 35 years. For the past five years, she has shown in several group exhibits in the Manzanita and Cannon Beach area. This is her first (and last) retrospective.